91: Secret meetings held at the ancestral hall; the ancient territory is about to open.

The Ancestral Hall Great Hall is located deep within the Lin Family Ancestral Land and is the most solemn and sacred place of the Family.

Lin Fan followed the Black-Clothed Attendant, passing through layers of guards and stepping over ninety-nine green jade steps, finally arriving before the Great Hall's entrance.

The two bronze gates, about three zhang high, were tightly shut. Ancient totems were carved onto the doors: the Sun God Bird on the left, and the Lunar Jade Rabbit on the right, symbolizing the Yin and Yang Dao of the Lin Family's Legacy. Directly above the door lintel hung a black plaque with gold characters, bearing the two ancient seal script characters: “Ancestral Hall.”

The Attendant stopped and respectfully said, “Clan Chief and the Elders are already waiting inside, Divine Son. Please enter.”

Lin Fan nodded, took a deep breath, and reached out to push the bronze doors.

“Buzz!” The gates were not heavy; instead, they felt light as air and opened readily. An ancient, vast aura rushed out, mixed with the smell of incense and an indescribable sense of coercion.

The interior of the Great Hall was extremely spacious, ten zhang high, with countless luminous pearls embedded in the dome, arranged in the pattern of the stars of the universe. On the surrounding walls hung portraits of ancestors, each exuding a profound aura, as if the person in the painting could come alive at any moment.

In the center of the Great Hall was a massive bronze incense burner, from which wisps of blue smoke curled up. Behind the incense burner were rows upon rows of spirit tablets, stacked thousands high, representing the past generations of the Lin Family ancestors.

At this moment, seven figures stood before the incense burner.

The one leading them was the Clan Leader, Lin Zhantian. Today, he was not wearing his usual clothes but a profound black sacrificial robe embroidered with the sun, moon, and stars, topped with a purple-gold crown, making him even more imposing than usual.

Three people stood on his left and three on his right, all core Elders of the Lin Family.

In the first position on the left was the Grand Elder, Lin Yuan, whose expression was calm, but whose eyes hid a shadow.

In the second position on the left was a white-haired old woman, leaning on a Dragon-head walking stick, with a kind face. This was the Third Elder, Lin Suxin, who managed the Family's Medicinal Pills and medical Dao, and was usually neutral.

In the third position on the left was a lean old man with eyes like lightning and a sharp aura. This was the Fifth Elder, Lin Jingtao, who managed criminal punishment and was strictly impartial.

In the first position on the right was the Second Elder, Lin Canghai, a refined middle-aged man who managed the Family's classics and education, and who had previously secretly supported Lin Fan.

In the second position on the right was a slightly plump old man with a rosy face. This was the Fourth Elder, Lin Baichuan, who managed the Family's industries and resource allocation.

The third position on the right was occupied by a silent, stern-faced middle-aged man, the Sixth Elder, Lin Wufeng, who managed the Family's guards and external affairs.

The seven Elders, along with the Clan Chief, formed the Lin Family's highest decision-making body—the “Eight Extremes Hall.”

“Lin Fan, come forward,” Lin Zhantian said in a deep voice.

Lin Fan steadily stepped forward, stopping three zhang away from the group, and bowed in salute: “Lin Fan greets Clan Chief and all Elders.”

“Dispense with the formalities.” Lin Zhantian's gaze fell upon Lin Fan, a complicated look flashing in his eyes. “You performed very well in today's competition. You not only protected the dignity of the Divine Son but also displayed the might of my Lin Family.”

“Clan Chief overpraises me. Lin Fan merely did his duty,” Lin Fan replied, neither humble nor arrogant.

“Duty?” Lin Yuan suddenly spoke, his voice flat. “Do you know that the 'Mountain Collapse' punch you used today is not any martial art from our Lin Family?”

Upon hearing this, the Elders' expressions subtly shifted.

Lin Fan understood instantly. The Grand Elder would certainly not let go of any Opportunity to suppress him.

“Replying to Grand Elder,” Lin Fan's expression remained unchanged. “This boxing technique was recorded on an Incomplete Manual page I accidentally obtained some time ago on the third floor of the Family Library Pavilion. At the time, I only felt that the method of channeling Qi was mysterious, so I tried to Cultivate it. I didn't expect that during today's battle, inspiration would strike, and I would actually manage to use it.”

He had prepared this excuse long ago. The third floor of the Library Pavilion indeed contained a large number of incomplete ancient texts, including fragments of profound martial arts. This explanation was perfectly reasonable.

Sure enough, the Second Elder, Lin Canghai, nodded and said, “The third floor of the Library Pavilion does contain many ancient Incomplete Manuals. For Lin Fan to be able to comprehend a boxing technique from them is a testament to his Opportunity and Comprehension Ability.”

However, the Fifth Elder, Lin Jingtao, coldly stated, “But the power of this punch is too overbearing; it doesn't seem like a Righteous Path martial art. When you used it, the Qi and Blood throughout your Physical Body boiled like a furnace, and your Physical Body strength far exceeded the scope expected of the Body Tempering Realm. Lin Fan, do you have an explanation?”

This was the crucial question.

The secret of the Eternal Indestructible Body must never be exposed. But the special nature of his Physique had been clearly revealed during the battle today.

Lin Fan was silent for a moment, then slowly said, “I dare not conceal anything from the Elders. Actually... three years ago, I accidentally fell into the Back Mountain Cold Pool of the Family. At the bottom of the pool, I discovered a strange Vermillion Fruit. After consuming it, I felt my Physical Body grow stronger day by day, and my Qi and Blood became far more vigorous than ordinary people. It's just that my cultivation was low back then, so the effect wasn't obvious. Only recently, after Breakthrough to Body Tempering Seventh Level, did this power of the Physique truly manifest.”

Half-truth, half-falsehood is the hardest to discern. There were indeed legends about the Back Mountain Cold Pool; a century ago, there was an unusual phenomenon, rumored to indicate treasure at the bottom. As for the Vermillion Fruit, it was a common Heaven And Earth Treasure setting, impossible to verify.

Upon hearing this, the Elders showed various expressions.

The Third Elder, Lin Suxin, suddenly spoke, “Extend your hand.”

Lin Fan extended his hand as instructed. Lin Suxin's withered fingers rested on his wrist pulse, and a gentle spiritual power probed inward.

After a moment, she withdrew her hand and nodded, “The Qi and Blood are like a Dragon, the marrow is like mercury, the organs are tough, and the Meridians are wide. These are indeed signs of having consumed some kind of rare Heaven And Earth Treasure. Moreover, this power is balanced and steady, with a solid Foundation, definitely not of the Evil Path.”

Lin Suxin specialized in medical Dao and Medicinal Pills within the Family, so her words carried significant weight.

A smile flashed in Lin Zhantian's eyes: “In that case, this is simply Lin Fan's good fortune. This matter needs no further discussion.”

The Grand Elder, Lin Yuan's face darkened slightly, but seeing that the other Elders had no objections, he could only drop the matter.

“I summoned you here today mainly for three matters.” Lin Zhantian moved to the main topic, his expression serious. “First, regarding the trial in the Meteor Star Ancient Domain three months from now.”

Lin Fan's spirit lifted. This was the main event.

“The Meteor Star Ancient Domain is an ancient Secret Realm controlled by my Lin Family. It opens once every ten years, and only core disciples and outstanding clansmen are allowed to enter. It contains countless Opportunities, but also countless dangers,” Lin Zhantian slowly explained. “According to custom, the Divine Son will lead this trial. Lin Fan, do you dare to accept this important responsibility?”

Leading the trial was both a privilege and a burden. If the team succeeded, his prestige would naturally increase significantly; if something went wrong, it would be a major fault.

Moreover, the competition had just ended, and the Grand Elder's faction would certainly not let the matter rest. Killing intent would likely lurk everywhere during the trial.

Lin Fan hardly hesitated, cupping his fists and saying, “Lin Fan is willing to go.”

“Good!” Lin Zhantian nodded approvingly. “The second matter concerns your Cultivation resources. Starting today, you can receive three hundred Low-Grade Spirit Stones and ten bottles of Body Tempering Medicinal Pills monthly, and you may enter the Dragon Transformation Pool to Cultivate for three hours at any time. Furthermore, the third floor of the Library Pavilion is completely open to you, and you may choose any Cultivation Technique below the Profound Rank held by the Family.”

This treatment far exceeded that of ordinary core disciples, approaching Elder level.

Among the Elders, the Fourth Elder, Lin Baichuan, frowned slightly: “Clan Chief, isn't this a bit...”

“In extraordinary times, extraordinary measures must be taken.” Lin Zhantian interrupted him, his gaze sweeping over the crowd. “Since Lin Fan is the Divine Son, he represents the future of my Lin Family. Resource allocation in his favor is only right and proper. I have made my decision on this matter, and it is final.”

Everyone fell silent. The Clan Chief's authority was indisputable.

“The third matter,” Lin Zhantian looked at Lin Fan, his eyes profound, “is about your background.”

Lin Fan's heart trembled.

Since his Transmigration, he only knew he was the Lin Family Divine Son, whose parents died young and who was raised by the Clan Chief. But the specifics of his background had never been detailed to him.

“Eighteen years ago,” Lin Zhantian's voice was low and filled with reminiscence, “your father, Lin Xiaotian, was a peerless Genius the Lin Family had not seen in a century. He entered the Divine Power Realm at the age of thirty and was personally designated by the Old Ancestor as the next Clan Chief successor. Your mother, Yun Mengyao, came from a mysterious ancient clan and had a noble status.”

“Their union was originally a match made in heaven. However, a tragedy occurred the year you were born.”

The Great Hall was silent, with blue smoke curling up from the incense burner.

Lin Zhantian continued: “On the day you were born, a celestial phenomenon appeared—nine stars aligned, and purple Qi came from the east for three thousand li. This was originally an auspicious sign, but it attracted the prying eyes of certain existences.”

“That night, powerful enemies attacked our Lin Family Ancestral Land. Your parents fought to protect you and died in battle. Before they died, they entrusted you to me and left a message...”

Lin Zhantian stared at Lin Fan, saying word by word: “'When my son's Awakening occurs, the truth will surface. Before then, do not let him know too much, lest it invite disaster.'”

Lin Fan shook violently.

The day of Awakening? Did they mean the Eternal Indestructible Body, or the System?

“For all these years, I have been investigating the events of that year, but clues are scarce,” Lin Zhantian sighed. “The only thing I can confirm is that the enemies from back then came from a level that the Lin Family cannot reach. Their target, perhaps, was you yourself.”

The atmosphere in the Great Hall was heavy.

The Grand Elder, Lin Yuan, suddenly said, “Clan Chief, is it too soon to tell Lin Fan this? If the news leaks...”

“He has grown up.” Lin Zhantian waved his hand. “Besides, some things must be faced eventually. Lin Fan, I tell you this not for you to seek revenge immediately, but for you to understand—on your shoulders rests not only the title of Divine Son but also the expectations of your parents and the future of my Lin Family.”

Lin Fan took a deep breath, suppressing the emotions surging within him.

He was originally a Transmigrator with no feelings for the parents of this body. But now, listening to Lin Zhantian's narrative, an inexplicable sense of grief, indignation, and responsibility rose from his heart.

That was the instinctive reaction of this body, the bond of the Bloodline.

“Lin Fan understands.” His voice was low but unusually firm. “I will become strong, strong enough to face all truths, strong enough to protect everything that needs protecting.”

A look of relief flashed in Lin Zhantian's eyes: “Good. That concludes today's meeting. Lin Fan, go back and prepare. Three days from now, I will send someone to escort you to the Dragon Transformation Pool. As for the specific details of the Meteor Star Ancient Domain, there will be a detailed arrangement a month from now.”

“Yes.” Lin Fan bowed and took his leave.

By the time he walked out of the Ancestral Hall Great Hall, the sky had completely darkened. The starry sky was brilliant, reflecting the luminous pearls on the Great Hall's dome.

Lin Fan looked back at the tightly shut bronze doors, his eyes complex.

The mystery of his background, the vengeance for his parents, the prying of powerful enemies... He had originally thought it was just simple Family strife, but he hadn't expected such deep secrets hidden behind it.

“'A level that cannot be reached'?” Lin Fan muttered to himself. “Does that mean existence beyond the Divine Power Realm?”

He clenched his fist.

Pressure is also motivation.

With the System, the Eternal Indestructible Body, and the mystery left by his parents to solve—all of this urged him to constantly grow stronger.

When he returned to his courtyard, it was already late night.

He pushed open the door and saw a food box on the table, next to a note.

The handwriting was delicate: “Young Master did not dine this evening, so I specially prepared some snacks. If they are cold, please warm them up. Qing Xue.”

Lin Fan paused slightly, then a warmth spread through his heart.

He opened the food box; inside were several exquisite small dishes and a pot of warm spiritual tea.

In this volatile Family, this pure concern felt exceptionally precious.

He sat down and slowly ate the snacks, his mind planning his next steps in Cultivation.

“The Dragon Transformation Pool is an important place for the Lin Family. It is rumored that the pool contains the essence of Dragon Blood, which has miraculous effects on Tempering the Physical Body. Given the characteristics of my Eternal Indestructible Body, Cultivating there will surely double the effect.”

“The Cooldown Time for the System Check-in is also almost over. There are still a few special locations in the Family I haven't Checked-in at, such as the Ancestral Artifact Pavilion and the Dao Comprehension Stele Forest. Perhaps they will trigger better Rewards.”

“As for the Meteor Star Ancient Domain,” Lin Fan's eyes sharpened, “the Grand Elder's faction will definitely not miss this Opportunity. There will certainly be a life-and-death showdown during the trial.”

“However,” he put down his chopsticks, a cold smile curling his lips.

“Who kills whom is not yet certain.”

Outside the window, the night wind howled.

Under the starry sky, the young man's eyes were brighter than the stars.